chapter 265

Chapter 265

“Come on, thank me. You really should get me more gifts to show your gratitude for saving your son’s life.”

Serenity’s comment caused the corners of the Hunt elders’ mouths to twitch.

Abigail was so furious that her eyes and veins looked as if they might burst from her head, her expression distorted.

Yet, she still did not dare to raise a hand against Serenity.

A flicker of amusement danced in Zachary’s eyes as he observed Serenity skillfully silencing the elders without lifting a finger. This woman was fascinating!

“Serenity.”

Serenity’s eldest aunt, Katelyn, interjected, “We never said you were to blame. Noah was at fault. It’s just that you two are cousins—very close relatives, in fact. We’re all family here. If there’s a conflict, we should resolve it privately. Had you informed us, we would have scolded him. There was no need to involve the police.”

“We wanted to bail him out, but our request was denied. Did you say something to your backer to make it impossible for us to secure his release? Serenity, I know you and your sister harbor resentment toward us because of the past, but we are family. A family consists of its members, so let’s not drag outsiders into our affairs.”

What she essentially implied was that Serenity should keep her backer out of the situation and refrain from using them to suppress their family.

Serenity felt that Zachary’s approach of taking direct action was the right one. It was futile to reason with these people. They seemed to believe that just because she and Noah were cousins, even if Noah committed a crime, it should not be reported to the authorities.

With a cold tone, she replied, “Every time I hear you emphasize our blood relationship and the fact that we’re a…

“Family,” I can’t help but laugh. It’s no surprise that you all can lead such fulfilling lives. You are thick-skinned, shameless, and bold enough to do so. If someone is bold enough, they become invincible, and you all seem to embody that invincibility.

“You know I despise you, yet you still come here and lecture me from your supposed position of authority as elders? Aren’t you embarrassed? I’m showing you some respect right now; otherwise, I would have swept you out the door with my broom! What kind of elders are you? Disgraceful!”

Katelyn’s face flushed bright red.

“Did you hear that? I warned you before that we can’t be polite with her given her attitude! We need to teach her a lesson on behalf of her father! She shows no respect for her elders and is bringing shame to him!” Abigail shouted.

The moment they mentioned her late father, Serenity couldn’t contain her anger any longer. She swiftly grabbed the broom, raised it high, and chased her aunts and uncles out of her bookshop.

Talking to them felt like a waste of breath.

“My father? My father?! How dare you bring him up?! How did he treat you when he was alive? And how did you treat my sister and me after he passed? You should go ahead and complain to him! Tell him I have no respect for my elders! If you can, bring him back to scold me! Let me make it clear: aside from my parents, none of you have the right to reprimand me or stand before me as an ‘elder’!”

Serenity chased Stuart Hunt and the others out of the shop, still fuming as she scolded them, drawing the attention of many onlookers.

Unfazed by the crowd, Serenity continued her pursuit and tirade until Stuart Hunt and the others finally jumped into their car to escape. They let out a sigh of relief once inside.

The door closed behind them, and fortunately, they were quick enough to avoid being hit by Serenity’s broom. Not wanting to linger any longer, they quickly started the car and drove away. Serenity held the broom in one hand, her other hand resting on her hip as she scolded, “The moment my parents passed away, you all fought over their life insurance payout, seized the house they built, and forced my sister and me out of the village. Over the years, you never offered us any help. Now, you dare to scold me and pretend to be an elder? You won’t get anything from me!” She spoke this way to explain herself to the crowd of onlookers, ensuring that her reputation as a beautiful woman remained intact.